Construction system

ABSTRACT

A construction system is disclosed and which includes a first construction element defining a plurality of connecting units which have a spacing measurement x; and a second construction element connected to the first construction element, and oriented at an angle θ relative to the first construction element, and which further defines a plurality of connecting units having a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a construction system, and morespecifically to a construction system which includes constructionelements that can be connected in a diagonal orientation relative toother construction elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children and hobbyists have long enjoyed creative construction toyswhich have allowed the individual to construct various items of interestsuch as boxes, small houses, bridges, airplanes, cars, trucks, and thelike. Examples of such products have included the ERECTOR™ Set, andvarious LEGO™ kits that are provided at various levels of complexity. Inthe so-called Erector™ products, these toys have included a series ofplates and bars with holes in them which are subsequently joinedtogether with nuts and a corresponding bolt. LEGO's™ TECHNIC™ series ofkits involves plastic beams and plates that connect with relativelysophisticated fasteners that allow for more elaborate models. Anothersuch beam and fastener construction system is that described by thepresent inventor in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/290,333, whichis hereby incorporated by reference. The commercial longevity of thesetypes of construction toys, especially when compared to other toys,illustrates the continuing high demand for novel construction systemsand elements.

Most, if not all, beam and fastener construction sets, such as thoseprovided under the LEGO™ TECHNIC™ name, utilize generic constructionelements 1 as seen in FIGS. 1A and B. As illustrated in those views, theprior art generic construction elements 1 are defined by a main body 2,which has a top surface 3, and an opposite, bottom surface 4. Stillfurther, the main body has a peripheral edge 5. It will be understoodfrom these drawings that the generic construction element 1 includes aplurality of passageways 6, which extend normally between the topsurface 3 and the bottom surface 4. Each of the passageways 6 in eachmain body 2 are substantially uniformly spaced with a spacingmeasurement generally indicated by the numeral 7. Two or more of theprior art construction elements 1 can be coupled together, as shown inthe exploded view of Prior Art FIG. 1B, by means of a coupling fastener10, which has a first end 11, and an opposite, and similar second end12. The prior art construction elements 1 are coupled together byinserting the first end 11 of a coupling fastener 10 into one of thepassageways 6 of one construction element 1, and inserting the secondend 12 into one of the passageways 6 of another construction element 1.While various locking mechanisms may be used to couple the fastener 10with the construction element 1, the coupling fastener 10 is usuallycoupled to the main body 2 in the manner of a friction-fit.

As shown in Prior Art FIG. 2A, multiple construction elements 1 arenormally assembled in a grid-based configuration forming a rectilineararray of passageways 6 which are generally indicated by the numeral 16.A plurality of vertical construction elements 13 can be coupled with ahorizontal construction element 14 since the spacing 7 between thepassageways 6 of each construction element 13 and 14 will besubstantially similar so as to permit the passageways 6 of adjacentconstruction elements to be coaxially aligned. As shown in Prior ArtFIG. 2B, however, it is impossible to couple a diagonally disposedconstruction element 15 with a plurality of vertical (or horizontal)construction elements 13 because the spacing 7 between the passageways 6in the diagonal construction element 15 will not allow the passageways 6of the diagonal construction element to coaxially align with thepassageways 6 in the underlying construction elements 13. Therecurrently is no ability in the prior art toy construction systems toconnect the construction elements 1 in a non-perpendicular or diagonalorientation relative to the rectilinear array 16 of passageways 6 savefor providing a specialized construction member. This, of course, addsto the cost of the resulting products. The absence of these types ofelements, of course, limits the flexibility and creativity of thebuilder.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,766 to Leadbetter et al., diagonal building unitsin a conventional LEGO™ building block system are shown to fit within anarray of coupling studs, such as that which may be provided on abuilding plate, as disclosed in the patent. However, this placement ofdiagonal building units is accomplished by modifying the spacing andsize of the array of coupling studs on the building plate, or byrequiring a specialized “skirt” shape (the thin plastic wall of theconstruction element brick) for the diagonal construction element.Neither solution discussed above appears useful relative to the beam andfastener construction systems as seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,069 to Bolli et al., a diagonalconstruction unit for a beam and fastener construction system is taught,but the connecting units of the construction elements have the samespacing as the non-diagonal construction elements. Thus, this diagonalconstruction element can only fit with other elements at its remote endsand can only be used in specialized applications. Moreover, this patentspecifically teaches away from the use of non-standard spacing betweenthe connecting units in the diagonal elements.

As will be recognized, these prior art solutions involve specializedpieces with limited application rather than a generic constructionelement design that can be used in many applications and models. Theseprior art solutions have proved unsatisfactory from both a use and aneconomic standpoint, and have not been adopted by most manufacturers oftoy construction kits.

A construction system which avoids the shortcomings attendant with theprior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the subjectmatter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a construction systemwhich includes a first construction element defining a plurality ofconnecting units which have a spacing measurement x; and a secondconstruction element connected to the first construction element, andoriented at an angle θ relative to the first construction element, andwhich further defines a plurality of connecting units having a spacingmeasurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximatelyequals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction systemwhich has a plurality of first construction elements, each having a mainbody, and which define a plurality of connecting units which aresubstantially linearly oriented along a major axis of the respectivemain bodies, and wherein the respective connecting units of theplurality of first construction elements are substantially regularlyspaced with a spacing measurement x, and wherein the plurality of firstconstruction elements are oriented in a substantially perpendicular,and/or parallel relationship, one relative to the others; and a secondconstruction element having a main body which defines a plurality ofconnecting units and which are linearly oriented along a major axis ofthe main body, and wherein the major axis of the main body of the secondconstruction element is oriented at an angle θ relative to the majoraxis of the main body of at least one of the plurality of firstconstruction elements, and wherein the connecting units of the secondconstruction element are substantially regularly spaced with a spacingmeasurement y, and wherein the spacing measurement y approximatelyequals the spacing measurement x divided by the cosine of θ; and whereinthe individual connecting units of the second construction elementsubstantially align with the connecting units of the plurality of firstconstruction elements when the second construction element is positionedin a non-perpendicular and/or nonparallel orientation relative to theplurality of first construction elements.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a construction systemwhich includes a plurality of first construction elements oriented in asubstantially perpendicular and/or parallel relationship one relative tothe others, and wherein each of the plurality of first constructionelements defines a plurality of connecting units which have asubstantially similar regular spacing measurement; and a secondconstruction element joined to at least one of the plurality of firstconstruction elements and which is oriented at a non-perpendicular andnon-parallel angle relative to the plurality of first constructionelements, and which defines a plurality of connecting units, which areindividually substantially aligned relative to the connecting units ofthe plurality of first construction elements.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a toy construction systemwhich includes a plurality of first construction elements each having amain body which defines a plurality of passageways which extendtherethrough, and which are further substantially linearly orientedalong a major axis of the main body, and wherein the passageways of eachof the plurality of first construction elements have substantially thesame regular spacing measurement, and wherein the major axes of therespective construction elements are either substantiallyperpendicularly oriented and/or parallel relative to the major axes ofthe remaining first construction elements; a second construction elementhaving a main body which defines a plurality of passageways and whichare linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and whereinthe major axis of the main body of the second construction element isoriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle relative to themajor axis of the respective plurality of first construction elements,and wherein the passageways defined by the second construction elementare substantially coaxially and/or linearly aligned with the passagewaysdefined by the plurality of first construction elements; and a fastenerreceived through at least one of the coaxially and/or linearly alignedpassageways of at least one of the plurality of first constructionmembers and the second construction member so as to couple the secondconstruction member to at least one of the plurality of firstconstruction members.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a construction systemwhich includes a plurality of first construction elements, each having aplurality of connecting units, and wherein the connecting units arearranged in a substantially rectilinear array; and a diagonally orientedconstruction element fastened to at least some of the plurality of firstconstruction elements, and wherein the diagonally oriented constructionelement has a plurality of connecting units, and which are oriented inan operational relationship relative to the plurality of firstconstruction elements, and wherein the connecting units of thediagonally oriented construction element have a spacing measurement soas to substantially coaxially align relative to the plurality of firstconnecting units in the rectilinear array when the diagonally orientedconstruction element is oriented in a non-perpendicular and non-parallelorientation relative to the plurality of underlying first constructionelements.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be described ingreater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art construction element.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of multiple prior art constructionelements as seen in FIG. 1A and a prior art coupling fastener.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of multiple prior art constructionelements which are oriented in a rectilinear array.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of multiple prior art constructionelements in a rectilinear array with a prior art diagonal constructionelement overlying same.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a construction element which forms afeature of the present invention, and which is oriented in a rectilineararray of construction elements.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of examples of diagonally disposedconstruction elements, which form features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Referring now to FIG. 3 it will be seen that the construction system ofthe present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 20 therein.It will be recognized that the invention described herein may apply to avariety of construction systems, and is not limited to the specificconstruction system which is described herein. The construction systemof the present invention includes as a first matter, a plurality offirst construction elements which are generally indicated by the numeral30, and which include, typically, at least a vertical first constructionelement 31, and a horizontally disposed first construction element 32.Each of these first construction elements 30 have a main body 33 whichhas a first end 34, and an opposite second end 35. Still further, eachof the main bodies include a peripheral edge 36. As seen in thedrawings, a major axis 37 extends, and is otherwise defined, between thefirst and second ends of each of the main bodies 33. As clearly seen byreference to FIG. 3, each of the main bodies 33 define a plurality ofconnecting units 40 which are substantially linearly oriented along themajor axis 37 of each of the main bodies 33. The plurality of connectingunits in this form of the invention include individual passageways 41which extend substantially through the main body 33, and are operable tomatingly receive individual fasteners which are more fully described inU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/290,333, 11/443,556 and 11/526,264,and which were filed on Nov. 29, 2005, May 30, 2006, and Sep. 22, 2006,respectively. The substance of these prior art patent applications areincorporated by reference herein. The individual passageways 41 aredefined, at least in part, by orientation grooves 42 which are operableto matingly receive a portion of the individual fasteners as describedin the aforementioned patent applications. Still further, the respectiveconnecting units 40 of the plurality of construction elements 30 aresubstantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement which isgenerally indicated by the numeral x. As seen in FIG. 3, the pluralityof first construction elements 30 are oriented in a substantiallyperpendicular and/or parallel orientation one relative to the others. Aswill be recognized by a study of FIG. 3, a spacing measurement x (43) ismeasured between the center of the respective adjacent passageways whichdefine the individual connecting units 40. The plurality of constructionelements 30 are operable to be arranged in a rectilinear array which isgenerally indicated by the numeral 50 (FIG. 4). The rectilinear array isgenerally defined by a plurality of substantially horizontally disposedlines 51, and a plurality of substantially vertically disposed lines 52.The horizontally and vertically disposed lines pass through the centerof each of the plurality of passageways which form the respectiveindividual connecting units 40 of the plurality of first constructionelements 30.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the constructionsystem 20 of the present invention further includes a second ordiagonally oriented construction element which is generally indicated bythe numeral 60. This second or diagonally oriented construction element60 has a main body 61 which is defined by opposite first and second ends62 and 63, respectively. Still further, the elongated main body 61defines a peripheral edge 64. The elongated main body is defined, atleast in part, by a longitudinally disposed or major axis 65 extendingbetween the first and second ends thereof. The main body 61 defines aplurality of connecting units generally indicated by the numeral 70. Inthe form of the invention as illustrated, the individual connectingunits are defined by individual passageways or cavities 71 which extendthrough the main body 61. The main body defines, at least in part,orientation grooves 72 which communicate with the individual passageways71, and which are operable to matingly receive a portion of a fastenersimilar to that described in the earlier filed patent applicationsreferenced in the paragraph, above. In the arrangement as seen in thedrawings, the plurality of connecting units 70 which are defined by theindividual passageways or cavities 71 have a spacing measurement y,labeled 73, in the drawings. Still further, as seen in FIG. 3, forexample, the main body 61 is oriented at an angle θ (74) relative to atleast one of the plurality of first construction elements 30. As seen inFIG. 3, that angle θ represents 45°. However, other angles may beemployed as will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. As seen inFIG. 4, the rectilinear array 50 may include a plurality of couplingunits 75, such as studs, passageways, or fasteners, which are positionedwithin the rectilinear array and which are operable to matingly couplewith the plurality of connecting units 70, which are defined by the mainbody 61.

In the present invention therefore, a construction system 20 isdisclosed and which includes in its broadest aspect a first constructionelement 30 defining a plurality of connecting units 40 which have aspacing measurement x (43) and a second construction element 60connected to the first construction element 30, and oriented at an angleθ (74) relative to the first construction element and which furtherdefines a plurality of connecting units 70 having a spacing measurementy (73), and wherein the spacing measurement y (73) approximately equalsthe spacing measurement x (43) divided by the cosine of θ. In thearrangement as seen in the drawings, the respective constructionelements 30 and 60 are typically utilized in a toy construction system20. As further understood from the drawings, at least one of theplurality of connecting units 40 and 70 defines a passageway 41 and 71for receiving a fastener body. In one possible form of the invention,the respective coupling or connecting units 40 and 70 are operable toreceive a coupling unit 75. As seen by reference to FIG. 3, and in oneform of the invention, the second construction element 60 is oriented ata 45° angle relative to the first construction element 30. Stillfurther, the connecting units 70 of the second construction element 60are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y (73)which is approximately equal to the square root of 2 times the spacingof x (43) of the respective connecting units of the first constructionelement 30.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a construction system 20which includes a plurality of first construction elements 30 each havinga main body 33 and which defines a plurality of connecting units 40which are substantially linearly oriented along a major axis 37 of therespective main bodies. The respective connecting units 40 of theplurality of first construction elements 30 are substantially regularlyspaced with a spacing measurement x (43), and wherein the plurality offirst construction elements 30 are oriented in a substantiallyperpendicular, and/or parallel orientation, one relative to the others.In the construction system 20 of the present invention, a secondconstruction element 60 is provided and which has a main body 61 whichdefines a plurality of connecting units 70, and which are linearlyoriented along a major axis 65 of the main body. The major axis 65 ofthe main body of the second construction element is oriented about anangle of θ (74) relative to the major axis 37 of the main body 33 of atleast one of the plurality of first construction elements 30. Theconnecting units 70 of the second construction element 60 aresubstantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y (73), andwherein the spacing measurement y (73) approximately equals the spacingmeasurement x (43) divided by the divided by the cosine of θ. Theindividual connecting units 70 of the second construction element 60substantially align with the connecting units 40 of each of theplurality of first construction elements 30 when the second constructionelement 60 is positioned in a non-perpendicular and/or non-parallelorientation relative to the plurality of first construction elements 30.In one form of the invention as seen, the first and second constructionelements are oriented at a 45° angle, one relative to the other. Asearlier disclosed, the connecting units of the second constructionelement 60 are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurementwhich is approximately equal to the square root of 2 times the spacingmeasurement x 43 of the plurality of first construction elements 30. Asseen by a study of FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting units 70 of the secondconstruction element 60 are spaced so as to substantially coaxiallyalign relative to the connecting units 40 of the plurality of firstconstruction elements 30 in the rectilinear array 50 when the secondconstruction element 60 is oriented in a non-perpendicular and/ornon-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of first constructionelements 30.

Therefore, a construction system 20 is disclosed and which provides aconvenient means whereby a hobbyist, or others, may assemble objects ofinterest having greater levels of complexity in a manner not possibleheretofore. The present invention provides an advantage inasmuch as theconstruction system includes a second construction element 60 whichallows the hobbyist to create ever increasing complex shapes. As seen byreference to FIG. 4, several forms of the invention are shown and whichdemonstrate that the present invention may be modified in various waysso as to achieve and produce a construction system of greater levels ofcomplexity.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A construction system, comprising: a first construction elementdefining a plurality of connecting units which have a spacingmeasurement x; and a second construction element connected to the firstconstruction element, and oriented at an angle θ relative to the firstconstruction element, and which further defines a plurality ofconnecting units having a spacing measurement y, and wherein the spacingmeasurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement x divided bythe cosine of θ.
 2. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, andwherein the first and second construction elements are utilized in a toyconstruction system.
 3. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, andwherein at least one of the plurality of connecting units of therespective first and second construction elements defines a passagewayfor receiving a fastener body.
 4. A construction system as claimed inclaim 1, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting unitsof the respective first and second construction elements comprises acoupling stud.
 5. A construction system as claimed in claim 1, andwherein at least one of the plurality of connecting units of therespective first and second construction elements defines a cavity forreceiving a coupling stud.
 6. A construction system as claimed in claim1, and wherein the second construction element is oriented at a 45degree angle relative to the first construction element, and wherein theconnecting units of the second construction element are substantiallyregularly spaced with a spacing measurement y which is approximatelyequal to the √2 times the spacing x of the respective connecting unitsof the first construction element.
 7. A construction system, comprising:a plurality of first construction elements, each having a main body, andwhich define a plurality of connecting units which are substantiallylinearly oriented along a major axis of the respective main bodies, andwherein the respective connecting units of the plurality of firstconstruction elements are substantially regularly spaced with a spacingmeasurement x, and wherein the plurality of first construction elementsare oriented in a substantially perpendicular, and/or parallelrelationship, one relative to the others; and a second constructionelement having a main body which defines a plurality of connecting unitsand which are linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, andwherein the major axis of the main body of the second constructionelement is oriented at an angle θ relative to the major axis of the mainbody of at least one of the plurality of first construction elements,and wherein the connecting units of the second construction element aresubstantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement y, and whereinthe spacing measurement y approximately equals the spacing measurement xdivided by the cosine of θ; and wherein the individual connecting unitsof the second construction element substantially align with theconnecting units of the plurality of first construction elements whenthe second construction element is positioned in a non-perpendicularand/or nonparallel orientation relative to the plurality of firstconstruction elements.
 8. A construction system as claimed in claim 7,and wherein the second construction element is oriented at a 45 degreeangle relative to at least one of the plurality of first constructionelements, and wherein the connecting units of the second constructionelement are substantially regularly spaced with a spacing measurement ywhich is of approximately equal to the √2 times the spacing measurementx of the connecting units of the plurality of first constructionelements.
 9. A construction system as claimed in claim 7, and whereinthe connecting units of the plurality of first construction elements arearranged in a substantially rectilinear array, and wherein theconnecting units of the second construction element are spaced so as tosubstantially coaxially align relative to the connecting units of theplurality of first construction elements in the rectilinear array whenthe second construction element is oriented in a non-perpendicular, andnon-parallel orientation relative to the plurality of first constructionelements.
 10. A construction system as claimed in claim 7, and whereinthe respective first and second construction elements are utilized in atoy construction system.
 11. A construction system as claimed in claim10, and wherein the connecting unit of at least one of the constructionelements defines a passageway for receiving a fastener body.
 12. Aconstruction system as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the connectingunit of at least one of the construction elements comprises a couplingstud.
 13. A construction system as claimed in claim 10, and wherein theconnecting unit of at least one of the construction elements defines acavity for receiving a coupling stud.
 14. A construction system,comprising: a plurality of first construction elements oriented in asubstantially perpendicular and/or parallel relationship one relative tothe others, and wherein each of the plurality of first constructionelements defines a plurality of connecting units which have asubstantially similar regular spacing measurement; and a secondconstruction element joined to at least one of the plurality ofconstruction elements and which is oriented at a non-perpendicular andnon-parallel angle relative to the plurality of first constructionelements, and which defines a plurality of connecting units, which areindividually substantially aligned relative to the connecting units ofthe plurality of first construction elements.
 15. A construction systemas claimed in claim 14, and wherein the connecting units of theplurality of first construction elements are arranged in a substantiallyrectilinear array, and wherein the connecting units of the secondconstruction element are spaced so as to substantially coaxially and/orlinearly align relative to the connecting units of the plurality offirst construction elements positioned in the rectilinear array.
 16. Aconstruction system as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the first andsecond construction elements are utilized in a toy construction system.17. A construction system as claimed in claim 16, and wherein at leastone of the respective construction elements connecting units defines apassageway for receiving a fastener body.
 18. A construction system asclaimed in claim 16, and wherein at least one of the respectiveconstruction elements connecting units comprises a coupling stud.
 19. Aconstruction system as claimed in claim 16, and wherein at least one ofthe respective construction elements connecting units defines a cavityfor receiving a coupling stud.
 20. A toy construction system,comprising: a plurality of first construction elements each having amain body which defines a plurality of passageways which extendtherethrough, and which are further substantially linearly orientedalong a major axis of the main body, and wherein the passageways of eachof the plurality of first construction elements have substantially thesame regular spacing measurement, and wherein the major axes of therespective first construction elements are either substantiallyperpendicularly oriented and/or parallel relative to the major axes ofthe remaining construction elements; a second construction elementhaving a main body which defines a plurality of passageways and whichare linearly oriented along a major axis of the main body, and whereinthe major axis of the main body of the second construction element isoriented at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle relative to themajor axis of the respective plurality of first construction elements,and wherein the passageways defined by the second construction elementare substantially coaxially and/or linearly aligned with the passagewaysdefined by the plurality of first construction elements; and a fastenerreceived through at least one of the coaxially and/or linearly alignedpassageways of at least one of the plurality of first constructionmembers, and the second construction member so as to couple the secondconstruction member to at least one of the plurality of firstconstruction members.
 21. A construction system, comprising: a pluralityof first construction elements, each having a plurality of connectingunits, and wherein the connecting units are arranged in a substantiallyrectilinear array; and a diagonally oriented construction elementfastened to at least some of the plurality of first constructionelements, and wherein the diagonally oriented construction element has aplurality of connecting units, and which are oriented in an operationalrelationship relative to the connecting units of the plurality of firstconstruction elements, and wherein the connecting units of thediagonally oriented construction element have a spacing measurement soas to substantially coaxially align relative to the plurality ofconnecting units in the rectilinear array when the diagonally orientedconstruction element is oriented in a non-perpendicular and non-parallelorientation relative to the plurality of underlying first constructionelements.
 22. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, and whereinthe connecting units of at least some of the respective constructionelements define a passageway for receiving a fastener.
 23. Aconstruction system as claimed in claim 21, and wherein the connectingunits of at least some of the respective construction elements comprisesa coupling stud.
 24. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, andwherein the connecting units of at least some of the respectiveconstruction elements defines a cavity for receiving a coupling stud.25. A construction system as claimed in claim 21, and wherein therespective construction elements are configured for a toy constructionsystem.